Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterWEST INDIES batsmen Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, along with Gareth Breese, have been included in Jamaica's 16-man squad for their ninth round Carib Beer Series match against defending champions Barbados, that is scheduled to start tomorrow at Chedwin Park.
Chairman of selectors Ruddy Williams confirmed the players' inclusion, making it clear that 'they are up for selection'.
The trio who were kept out of the team by injuries worked out with the squad at Melbourne yesterday morning.
Jamaica are on 71 points, 17 clear of nearest rivals Leeward Islands and could crown themselves champion by winning first innings points.
Breese has been sidelined since the start of the season with a groin injury. However, he did light training with Jamaica's squad before they departed for three straight away matches, and Williams said he had asked (the JCA) for special permission to be given to Breese to play competitively for Lucas against Kingston in last weekend's Junior Cup match.
"I watched him for one hour and 15 minutes and I am happy with what I saw."
Breese picked up six wickets in the match.
As for Samuels and Gayle, Williams said both spent some time in the gym during their lay-off.
Gayle has been out of action since his return from Australia in early February with a shoulder strain, while Samuels was forced to return home after playing the first match on Jamaica's recent tour.
"I had discussions with them and they said they feel OK," Williams continued.
Squad: Wavell Hinds (captain), Gayle, Samuels, Breese, Xavier Marshall, Donovan Pagon, Brenton Parchment, Tamar Lambert, David Bernard Jr., Carlton Baugh Jr., Darren Powell, Nikita Miller, Jerome Taylor, Odean Brown, Bevon Brown, Dwight Washington.
